*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names: Saltmarsh Watersnake
Subspecies: Only the Gulf Saltmarsh Watersnake, Nerodia clarkii clarkii, occurs within Louisiana in coastal parishes.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Coastal Parishes.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Saltmarsh Watersnakes are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G4 (Apparently Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: Saltmarsh Watersnakes have a ranking of S3S4 (rare and local throughout the state – 21-100 known extant populations / apparently secure in Louisiana with many occurrences - 100 to 1000 known extant populations) in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I have only observed this species twice alive in the wild, both on the shore of Lake Saint Catherine in Orleans Parish, LA, in Summer 2013 and Spring 2015. I also found a freshly killed individual on the road near Intracoastal City, LA (Vermilion Parish) years prior to finding my first one in Louisiana.
